Articles by chris-ullrich
Fri Feb 22, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Monaghan and Henney Join 'X-Men Origins: Wolverine'
One mutant to rule them all?
Recently, Variety reported that Lord of the Rings and Lost star Dominic Monaghan and Danial Henney, recently seen in the Korean drama My Father, have joined the cast of X-Men Origins: Wolverine. According to the article, Monaghan will play Barnell, a "mysterious character from Wolverine's past who has the ability to manipulate energy and electricity."
Henney will take on the role of Agent Zero, "a member of the Weapon X program and an expert tracker with lethal marksman skills." Monaghan and Henney join a growing cast which already includes Hugh Jackman as, of course, Wolverine, Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Taylor Kitsch, will.i.am, Lynn Collins and Ryan Reynolds.
The film, directed by Gavin Hood from a David Benioff script, which is shooting now in New Zealand, Australia and New Orleans, tells the story of Wolverine's younger days and how he came to be the savage yet compassionate clawed mutant he is today.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine hits theaters May 1st, 2009.
Fri Feb 22, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Mr. T. Limited Advance Graphic Novel Announced
First name, 'Mister'... last name, 'T'
As if things in the world of comics weren't already interesting enough, word now comes, in the form of an official press release from publisher Mohawk Media, that the upcoming Mr. T graphic novel, set to release later this summer, will also have a "Limited Advance Edition" available right now for eager fans.
The Limited Advance Edition of the graphic novel will only have 4000 copies available and, as the press release states:
It marks the return to prominence of Mr. T, the Mohawk muscleman who was voted the fourth “Greatest American” in a recent global BBC poll, muscling in front of the likes of Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin and Franklin D. Roosevelt.
‘It’s great to be the star of a graphic novel’, says Mr. T. ‘And great entertainment is always driven by great writing!’ Mr. T, who contributes world-exclusive interviews to the graphic novel and acts as its Executive Editor, adds: ‘I’ve always strived to be a good role model to children and adults alike. I can’t think of a better way to do that than by encouraging people to read! What would I say to anyone who doesn’t read my graphic novel? “I pity the fool!” ’
Well said, Mr. T. Well said, indeed.
Fri Feb 22, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Paramount Drops HD-DVD
6 Down, Zero to Go
Well, that didn't take as long as I thought it would. I figured it might be at least a few days before Paramount made the decidion to drop HD-DVD. But I guess they hated being last to the party with a date nobody wanted.
So today, according to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount also dumped HD-DVD and will now be releasing content exclusively on Blu-Ray.
According to the Paramount press release quoted in the article:
"We are pleased that the industry is moving to a single high-definition format, as we believe it is in the best interest of the consumer. As we look to (begin) releasing our titles on Blu-ray, we will monitor consumer adoption and determine our release plans accordingly."
Again, no mention about content currently in the pipeline that's already HD-DVD. Maybe they'll go back and redo all of them and then release on Blu-Ray? That would seem unlikely and pretty costly. But with the odd things Hollywood studios sometimes do, I guess anything is possible.
Thu Feb 21, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
New 'Iron Man' Photos Pop Up
What's in the box, Mr. Stark?
I'm still amazed sometimes
at the power of the Internet. If it wasn't for this great invention that I use every day, how could I now bring you more, brand new, Iron Man photos that, thanks to tipster Rene over at SuperHeroHype, we know have just surfaced.
These new pics look like either production stills or screen-captures from the film itself and depict verious scenes such as Tony Stark and Pepper Potts in a somewhat intimate moment, Stark being led by his captors in the desert carrying a mysterious box and Stark working his magic with two scantily-clad young ladies.
You can find the new pics here, here, here, here, and here. Enjoy!
Thu Feb 21, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Live-Action 'Akira' On the Way from Leo DiCaprio
DiCaprio has the power
Yesterday, the Hollywood Reporter dropped the news that Warner Brothers has snapped up the rights to make a two-part, live-action version of the Japanese Anime classic Akira. Not only that, but producing the film will be superstar Leonaro DiCaprio. In addition, first-time feature helmer Ruairi Robinson will be taking on the directing duties and Gary Whitta is writing the screenplay.
But wait, there's more.
Today, it was confirmed by Aint it Cool News that DiCaprio will, in addition to producing, star in the live-action film as the lead character Kaneda. Also confirmed is that Joseph Gordon-Levitt, soon to be seen in the upcoming live-action G.I. Joe, will join him in the cast as Tetsuo.
Thu Feb 21, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Columbia Pictures Snaps Up 'The Boys'
'The Boys' are back in town
In their continuing quest to find new, exciting and original content, Hollywood studios often turn to the world of comic books and graphic novel as source material for new projects. Today is no exception as Variety is reporting that Columbia Pictures has picked up the rights to Garth Ennis and Darick Robertson's The Boys. The feature film adaptation of the comic book, which is published by Dynamite Entertainment, will be produced by Neil Moritz through his Sony-based Original Film company.
In case you're not familier with the comic (although you should be) the story follows a CIA squad informally known as "the boys" whose job it is to keep track of the superheroes in town and make sure they don't do anything wrong or make mistakes that hurt other innocent people. If they do, "the boys" are there to straighten them out or even, in some cases, kill them.
In the Variety article, producer Moritz characterized the comic as an original take on the superhero genre.
"Rather than begin with a romantic idea of superheroes out to save the world, 'The Boys' imagines a world in which superheroes really exist, with all of the flaws that real people have," he said. "The boys are there to make sure that people with superhuman powers don't get out of line."
No word yet on if Ennis himself will be writing the script for the film, any potential casting or a start date. But when there is, we'll bring it to you.
Thu Feb 21, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
David Fincher to Direct 'Black Hole'
Fincher explores the dark side . . . again
I've been a fan of director David Fincher since he used to direct music videos. His visual style has always been very interesting to me and many of his films, particularly Se7en and Fight Club, rank among my all-time favorites. So, when Fincher decides to sign-on to a new film, as he just did today, I start to get very happy.
Fincher's latest film, according to the Hollywood Reporter, will be the sexual thriller Black Hole, based on the graphic novel by Charlie Burns. This story follows a group of High-School students whose lives are dramatically altered when they come into contact with a sexually-transmitted disease known as "the teen plague." Then, while they try to deal with the social stigma and physical effects of the disease, that's when the murders start.
Not only will Fincher be handling the directing chores, which already makes this a must-see movie for me, but the graphic novel will be adapted for the screen by two of the most-talented writers working today: Roger Avary and Neil Gaiman.
Fincher is currently wrapping up his next release The Curious Case of Benjamin Button starring Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett, but there's no word yet if Black Hole will be his next film or if it will be one of the others he currently has in development including Torso (based on Brien Bendis' graphic novel), The Devil in the White City and The Killer.
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Brand New '10,000 B.C.' Trailer Hits the Net
A.K.A. Roland Emmerich's Mammoth Movie
I'm not sure what you think of director Roland Emmerich's previous films such as Independence Day, Stargate, The Day After Tomorrow or Godzilla, but I enjoyed them all. Well, at least the first two. But no matter your feelings about the director's earlier work, you gotta admit that his latest effort, the prehistoric adventure 10,000 B.C., looks pretty darn interesting -- judging by what we've seen so far.
Fortunately, you'll get another chance to find out if Emmerich's latest is for you because there's a new, just-released trailer for the film over at Yahoo movies. Chock full of action, explosions and plenty of giant CGI creatures, this movie looks like a great ride and this trailer only serves to peak my interest in the film even further.
The film, which features Omar Shariff as well as a cast of relative unknowns including Steve Strait, Camilla Belle, Cliff Curtis and Tim Barlow, tells the epic story of D'Leh (Straight) a young mammoth hunter and his journey through uncharted territory to secure the future of his tribe. Along the way he faces many challenges and pitfalls until finally, his very life is at stake during a massive fight to determine not only his future, but the future of everything he's ever known.
10,000 B.C. hits theaters November 30th.
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
NBC Universal Will Stream 'Classic' Shows Online
Oh Good, More Tek War!
Recently, NBC Universal announced it will offer full episodes of “classic, fan-favorite series” as streaming videos on four of its network websites beginning later this month. Some of the "classic" TV shows that you'll be able to get at the various sites include: Swamp Thing, The Crow, the '70s version of Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, featuring Gil Gerard as Buck and Twiki the robot, Rod Serling's Night Gallery, William Shatner's Tek War and Tremors.
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Universal Goes Blu-Ray
Blu is the Color of Money for Universal
As we reported previously, Toshiba decided to end HD-DVD so the format conflict between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD is over with Blu-Ray coming out on top. Now, with HD-DVD not an option, Universal has decided to throw its hat completely into the Blu-Ray ring and release all of its High-Def content exclusively in the format.
This announcement leaves Paramount and Dreamworks as the only major players still releasing content on HD-DVD. On switching completely to Blu-Ray, Craig Kornblau, president of Universal Home Entertainment and Universal Digital, had this to say about the company's decision:
"While Universal values the close partnership we have shared with Toshiba, it is time to turn our focus to releasing new and catalog titles on Blu-ray. The path for widespread adoption of the next-generation platform has finally become clear. Universal will continue its aggressive efforts to broaden awareness for high-def's unparalleled offerings in interactivity and connectivity, at an increasingly affordable price. The emergence of a single, high-definition format is cause for consumers, as well as the entire entertainment industry, to celebrate."
So, what does this mean for current and soon-to-be-released Universal titles already in the HD-DVD format? Who knows. Still, after this announcement, how soon will it be before Paramount drops HD-DVD as well? Nobody in Hollywood likes to hang out with a "loser" so I'll bet its just a matter of days, not weeks, before we get the announcement. Of course, if we do, we'll bring you all the details right here at ComicMix.
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
WGA Strike Cost to Los Angeles: $2.5 Billion
The Cost Man, the Cost!
Today, the Hollywood Reporter has a story highlighting the economic effects the recently settled WGA strike has had on the local Los Angeles economy. Citing an Economic Forcast Report set to be released today by Jack Kyser, noted LA Economist and head of the LA Economic Development Corp, the article paints a somewhat grim picture of the post-strike LA economic situation.
Among the points made by Keyser in the 71-page report is that the strike, which started November 5 and was settled earlier this month, has already cost LA an estimated $2.5 billion in lost revenue. That figure includes lost wages from TV shows that were canceled and films that were put on hold as well as losses by a vast array of support services from, according to the article, "limo drivers to florists."
Kyser also suggested in the report that the cancellation of the Golden Globes alone resulted in a $60 million loss to the LA economy. In addition, other factors will contribute to the economic situation in LA including, according to the article, that leaders of the Screen Actors Guild are "talking tough," so there is growing concern they will go on strike after the union's labor contract with the studios expires on June 30.
Continue reading WGA Strike Cost to Los Angeles: $2.5 Billion ›
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
'300' Leads Saturn Award Nominees
This... is... THE SATURN AWARDS!
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Zack Snyder Thanks Fans With New 'Watchmen' Pic
How about a little fire Rorschach?
Recently, Watchmen Exec. Producer herb Gaines posted his thoughts on the film at its official site now that principal photography on the film is baically complete. Now, the film's director, Zack Snyder, has followed suit and has posted some thoughts and reflections of his own.
But this time, its not just kind words from Snyder, he's also included a bonus gift for fans as well -- a brand new pic directly from the film itself. This new pic will show, as Snyder says in his post: "How it looks when it all comes together." Sadly, the pic doesn't reveal the look of Ozymandias, Nite Owl, Doctor Manhattan or really, much detail about the film at all.
However, it does give us Rorschach setting fire to a guy, which is pretty darn cool and will certainly whet the appetite of Watchmen fans everywhere. Heck, it did for me. Come on Zack, how about some more? Soon.
Check out a much larger version of the new pic after the jump.
Watchmen hits theaters March 6, 2009
Continue reading Zack Snyder Thanks Fans With New 'Watchmen' Pic ›
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Mike Richardson Announced as Stumptown Fest Guest of Honor
Dark Horse Founder to headline Portland festival
The Stumptown Comics Fest, an annual celebration of comics and cartooning art in Portland, Oregon, recently announced that it has chosen Dark Horse Comics founder and head-honch Mike Richardson to be its special Guest of Honor at this year's event.
Festival organizers chose the accomplished (and extremely tall) Richardson for many reasons, some of which are detailed in the events official press release announcing Richardson's selection:
Under his direction, Dark Horse has gone from a tiny startup during the black-and-white boom of the ‘80s to the biggest independent comics publisher in the nation, featuring such talents as Frank Miller, Mike Mignola, Neil Gaiman, and the late comics legend Will Eisner, and revolutionizing the industry’s approach to licensed properties through innovative Star Wars, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Conan, and Aliens/Predator stories.
The Fifth Annual fest will be held on April 26th-27th, 2008, at the Doubletree Hotel Lloyd Center in Portland. To find out more info on the Stumptown Comic Fest, a great event showcasing some exceptional art and artists, check out its official site.
Wed Feb 20, 2008 — by Chris Ullrich
Marvel Drops 14 New 'Iron Man' Movie Wallpapers
This is Iron Man!
Usually, I don't get very excited when Marvel, or any other company for that matter, releases a set of wallpapers for an upcoming movie. I don't really use them on my computer so they aren't all that important to me.
However, in this case I'll make an exception. A jet-boot using, intelligent armor wearing, energy ray throwing, ex-alchoholic leader of the Avengers exception. This is Iron Man, after all.
The latest set of Wallpapers feature all your favorite Iron Man cast members, some in new scenes, including Robert Downey, Jr. as Tony Stark, Gwynneth Paltrow as Pepper Potts, Terrence Howard as Jim Rhodes and Jeff Bridges as Obadiah Stain (aka Iron Monger).
There's even a couple of Iron Man himself in action and one of director Jon Favreau as well, just to round out your collection. Go get 'em.
Iron Man hits theaters May 2nd, 2008.
